12 Days of Christmas - Nativity Style from 30daysblog

Today’s 12 Days of Christmas with a nativity spin is wonderful. Note: while technically the 12 days of Christmas is to be celebrated after Christmas into the new year, this nativity idea makes sense to do the 12 days leading up to Christmas.

12 days of Christmas - nativity style. An amazing idea with printables from Bethany of Vermillion Rules via www.thirtyhandmadedays.com

I’m a Christmas minimalist. I like to make memories, but I also don’t want those memories to take me ten hours of prep. So when my husband and I decided to do the “Twelve Days of Christmas” for a family we know could use a little extra love, I set out to make it meaningful but not time consuming. After some research and discussion, we chose to give our selected family a nativity; one piece each night for the twelve days leading up to Christmas.

I ordered this kid friendly nativity off of Amazon but if you don’t have Prime shipping, you can also pick this one up at your local Target for $15. If you are feeling crafty, feel free to make your own. I love this one from Little Blue Boo.

12 days of Christmas - nativity style, service from Bethany of Vermillion Rules

Starting on December 13th, we are going to secretly deliver one of the pieces of the nativity and a corresponding scripture to our family each night. My kids refer to us as the “Secret Elves.” The secrecy of the whole operation is definitely the most exciting part for them. We’ve done similar projects in the past and one of the tricks to avoid getting caught is to go at different times each evening. Be unpredictable. On a few of the nights, we may also include an extra little treat, like hot chocolate packets.

On the ninth day, we will box up some homemade star ornaments (popsicle sticks) and markers for decorating. Christmas craft fun for the kids.

12 days of Christmas - nativity style. An amazing idea with printables from Bethany of Vermillion Rules via 30days.

Christmas Eve, we will deliver Baby Jesus to complete their nativity.

I didn’t find a printable that I loved for the scripture tags, so I created my own. You can download them at the links below and print them on card stock (for best results, download the tags to your computer, rather than print from Google Drive).

Printables for 12 days of Christmas from Vermillion Rules

12 Days of Christmas Tags, Page One

12 Days of Christmas Tags, Page Two

We are leaving the Nativity pieces so that it tells the scripture story in order:

1. Joseph, 2. Mary, 3. Shepherds, 4. Sheep, 5. Angel, 6. Manger, 7. Shepherd, 8. Wise Man, 9. Star ornaments, 10. Wise Man, 11. Wise Man, 12. Baby Jesus

You may have to make adjustments if you buy a different nativity and don’t have twelve pieces. Candy canes for shepherds or gold coins for wise men, for instance. But keep it simple!

Comments

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December 19, 2014 at 6:29 am

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Millie says

December 16, 2014 at 3:59 am

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Mandee says

December 13, 2014 at 7:29 pm

I love this! What a precious way to marry the true meaning of Christmas and the wonder of a child!
Saige says

December 13, 2014 at 9:20 am

Thank you for this timely post. With our family coming at Thanksgiving instead of Christmas, I didn’t get around to starting Advent this year. I had thought of trying to catch up, but then we all got the flu, and now we’re just trying to get well by Christmas!
I recently bought a sad little nativity set at the Salvation Army store, wanting to fix it up. I’m gonna give it some TLC today, and start giving a piece a day to my kids. So fun! And maybe next year, we can bless another family with your idea (with a brand new set, of course :) ).
Amy [email protected] says

December 12, 2014 at 11:37 am

What a wonderful idea! Great way to bring the true meaning of Christmas into your home!
jen @ Tatertots & Jello says

December 12, 2014 at 8:28 am

Love this! We had a neighbor who left a different nativity figure for us every night for 12 nights and it’s something my kids will remember forever.

xoxo

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